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Artsakh Recognition Passes California State Senate

Sacramento, CA – The Armenian Council of America has announced that the California State Senate has voted to pass Assembly Joint Resolution 32 with a majority vote of 23-0, recognizing the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (Artsakh) as a sovereign state.

The Resolution, authored by Assemblymember Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles), passed in the State Assembly in May. State Senator Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles) spearheaded the resolution through the State Senate. AJR 32 calls for the United States to recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as a sovereign state, invokes strong language from the United States’ own history regarding the rights of the people to “self-determination and democratic independence.”

“The passage of this important resolution was a long and challenging journey that started with the introduction of this resolution back in January. We worked so hard to make it move forward, and we are so proud today that the California State Senate stood with me in support of the people of Artsakh in their ongoing quest for freedom, democracy and independence.” Stated Assemblymember Gatto.

“We are very pleased that the State Senate has passed the Resolution,” said Sevak Khatchadorian Chairman of the ACA. “Our State representatives recognize and acknowledge the people of Artsakh’s right to self-determination, who value democracy and freedom, and they have demonstrated this today by voting in favor of AJR 32.”

California is now the most populous governmental entity to call for Nagorno-Karabakh’s recognition or to recognize it outright.

The Armenian Council of America is a grassroots organization dedicated to working with all political leaders, offering Armenian related news, analysis and resources for policymakers, media, students and activists, and advocating issues important to Armenian Americans. The Armenian Council of America aims to strengthen U.S. – Armenia and U.S. – Nagorno Karabakh ties, the development of programs promoting sustainable economic growth and good governance in Armenia, while promoting the values and responsibilities of global citizenship.